Utah licenses estheticians through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), part of the Utah Department of Commerce. You need a Utah esthetician license to legally perform facials, skincare treatments, waxing, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in Utah.
Utah offers two esthetician credential levels: a standard esthetician license requiring 600 hours and a master esthetician license requiring 1,200 hours. Both require NIC written and practical exams administered by Prov. The total initial cost for a standard esthetician license is approximately $270 (excluding tuition). Here is exactly how to get licensed.
Recent Legislative Changes Affecting Utah Esthetician Licensing
SB 330: Cosmetology Modifications (Signed March 27, 2025; effective January 1, 2026): Utah restructured its cosmetology licensing system. Under the new law, a basic esthetics permit (200 hours) was created as a new entry-level credential. The standard esthetician license (600 hours) continues to be available for those who enrolled in a program before January 1, 2026. Applicants starting training after that date should confirm current pathways with DOPL. The master esthetician license remains at 1,200 hours. A formal apprenticeship pathway was established with the same hour requirements as school-based training.
SB 330 Dermaplaning Provisions (effective June 1, 2026): SB 330 also clarifies the scope of practice and supervision requirements for master estheticians performing dermaplaning.
Utah Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Department of Commerce |
| License Levels | Esthetician (600 hours) | Master Esthetician (1,200 hours) |
| Training Hours — Esthetician | 600 hours at a licensed or recognized school (or approved apprenticeship) |
| Training Hours — Master Esthetician | 1,200 hours at a licensed or recognized school (or approved apprenticeship) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — same hours as school, under a licensed supervisor (max 2 apprentices per supervisor) |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Exam Required | NIC Esthetician Written + NIC Esthetician Practical exams (administered by Prov) |
| Passing Score | 70% on each exam |
| Exam Fees | $105 per exam ($210 total for written + practical) |
| License Application Fee | $60 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $270 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years) | Esthetician $52 | Master Esthetician $68 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | MyLicenseOne Portal |
| Board Website | commerce.utah.gov/dopl/cosmetology |
Education and Training Requirements
Standard Esthetician License (600 Hours)
You must complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a DOPL-licensed or recognized school. Full-time programs typically take 4 to 6 months to complete. The curriculum covers facials, skin care, manual hair removal (waxing), makeup application, eyelash and eyebrow technology, sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology, and Utah laws and rules.
Note: Under SB 330, the standard esthetician license (600 hours) is available to individuals who enrolled in a training program before January 1, 2026. Individuals starting after that date should check with DOPL about current credential pathways, which may include the basic esthetics permit (200 hours) or the master esthetician license (1,200 hours).
Master Esthetician License (1,200 Hours)
The master esthetician license requires 1,200 hours of training and covers advanced treatments beyond the standard esthetician scope, including advanced skincare procedures and technology-driven treatments. If you already hold a Utah cosmetologist/barber license, you may count 600 of your cosmetology hours toward the 1,200-hour master esthetician requirement.
Apprenticeship Pathway
Utah offers a formal apprenticeship alternative for both esthetician and master esthetician licenses. Requirements include the same number of hours as the school pathway, one-on-one direct supervision by a licensed esthetician (or master esthetician for the master credential), a maximum of two apprentices per supervisor, and completion within two years.
Utah’s 600-hour esthetician requirement is at the national average. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam. Utah uses the NIC (National Interstate Council) esthetician examinations administered by Prov.
Exam fees: $105 per exam ($210 total for both written and practical). Fees are the same for first-time testing and retakes.
Exam details:
- Written Exam: Computer-based, multiple-choice covering esthetics theory, sanitation, anatomy, skin science, and Utah laws
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetician skills
- Passing Score: 70% or higher on each exam
- Languages: Theory exams are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Practical exams are offered in English only.
- Exam validity: NIC exam scores must have been achieved within one year prior to your license application date
Accepted exams: Utah also accepts any substantially equivalent esthetician examination approved by the licensing authority of another state, provided you achieved a passing score of 70% or greater.
Application Process and Fees
As of January 31, 2026, Utah requires all cosmetology-related license applications to be submitted online. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Complete your 600 hours of esthetician training (or 1,200 hours for master esthetician) at a licensed school or through an approved apprenticeship
- Register for and pass both NIC esthetician exams through Prov ($105 per exam, $210 total)
- Create a Utah ID account and apply online through the MyLicenseOne Portal
- Submit your application with the $60 license fee
- Provide documentation of your completed training hours (certified by your school or apprenticeship supervisor)
- Your exam scores will be electronically delivered to DOPL by Prov
Utah Esthetician License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | $105 | Prov |
| Practical Exam | $105 | Prov |
| License Application | $60 | DOPL |
| Total Initial Cost | $270 | |
| Biennial Renewal (Esthetician) | $52 | DOPL |
| Biennial Renewal (Master Esthetician) | $68 | DOPL |
| Late Reinstatement (within 30 days) | $20 additional per license | DOPL |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Utah esthetician and master esthetician licenses expire every two years on September 30 of odd-numbered years. DOPL mails renewal notices at least 60 days before expiration.
To renew:
- Renew online through the MyLicenseOne Portal or by mail
- Pay the renewal fee: $52 for esthetician or $68 for master esthetician
Utah does not require continuing education for esthetician or master esthetician license renewal.
Late renewal: If you renew within 30 days after expiration, you must pay the renewal fee plus an additional $20 reinstatement fee. If your license has been lapsed for 2 to 5 years, you may apply for reinstatement without retaking exams .
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Utah offers licensure by endorsement for estheticians and master estheticians licensed in other states, territories, or districts of the United States.
To qualify for endorsement, you must:
- Hold an active esthetician (or master esthetician) license in good standing from another jurisdiction
- Have held that license for at least one year
- Have training and experience substantially equivalent to Utah’s requirements
- Pass the NIC Esthetician Theory and Practical exams (or provide proof of passing a substantially equivalent exam at 70% or higher)
- Request that your current state send an official license verification directly to DOPL
- Submit the endorsement application with required fees through the MyLicenseOne Portal
Internationally-trained applicants: You must have your training hours verified through an approved credentialing company listed on the DOPL application. Supporting documentation should be sent directly to the credentialing company.
Compare Utah’s requirements with other states in our complete esthetician licensing guide. You may also want to review requirements in Colorado or Arizona if you are considering practicing in multiple states.
Military Provisions
Utah provides several accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Military Spouse Practice Authorization: Spouses of military service members stationed in Utah may practice esthetics using an active out-of-state license without obtaining a Utah license. DOPL provides a verification letter to help spouses demonstrate this exemption to employers.
Fee Waivers for Active Duty: Full-time active duty service members can request waivers of processing fees for both initial license applications and renewals by submitting a Military and Public Assistance Request for Fee Waiver form.
Automatic License Extension: Licenses expiring during active duty or deployment are automatically extended until 90 days after the service member’s last date of deployment or discharge. Within this 90-day window, the service member may renew at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for an esthetician license in Utah?
A standard Utah esthetician license requires 600 hours of training. A master esthetician license requires 1,200 hours. Under SB 330 (effective January 1, 2026), a basic esthetics permit requiring 200 hours was also created. If you hold a cosmetologist/barber license, you may count 600 hours toward a master esthetician license.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Utah?
The total licensing cost (excluding tuition) is approximately $270: $210 in exam fees paid to Prov ($105 per exam for written and practical) and $60 in application fees paid to DOPL.
What is the difference between an esthetician and a master esthetician in Utah?
A standard esthetician license requires 600 hours and covers facials, skincare, waxing, and makeup. A master esthetician license requires 1,200 hours and authorizes advanced treatments including dermaplaning and more advanced skincare procedures. The master esthetician renewal fee is also higher ($68 vs. $52). To learn more about what you can do with each credential, see our guide on esthetician vs. cosmetology license scope.
Does Utah require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Utah does not require continuing education for esthetician or master esthetician license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee every two years.
Can I transfer my out-of-state esthetician license to Utah?
Yes, through endorsement. You must have held your license for at least one year, have it in good standing, pass the NIC exams or demonstrate equivalent exam passage at 70% or higher, and have your current state send verification directly to DOPL.
Can a cosmetologist perform esthetician services in Utah?
Yes. Utah’s cosmetologist/barber license (1,250 hours) includes basic esthetics in its curriculum. However, advanced procedures available to master estheticians require the separate master esthetician credential.
Official Resources
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology (official website)
- Online License Application (MyLicenseOne Portal)
- Esthetician License Application Information
- Exam Information
- Prov (exam registration)
- Cosmetology Laws and Rules
- Military Resources
- DOPL Contact: (801) 530-6628 | P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741